What is Bursitis?
Edna, age 75, was an enthusiastic gardener who sometimes spent hours in the garden pulling weeds and planting. One day while pulling weeds she noticed that her shoulder was hurting. She tried to ignore it, but when it continued for a few days, her daughter decided it was time that her mom see a doctor. The doctor diagnosed Edna with bursitis.
Elder Care in Lowell MI: What is Bursitis?
An Inflammation of the Bursa.
Joints are protected by a sac filled with fluid that is called a bursa. Bursa absorb some of the impact of joint movement and cushions the muscles and other tissues around the joints. Bursitis occurs when the bursa becomes inflamed. The areas of the body that are most often affected by bursitis are the hips, shoulders, elbows, and knees.
There are many things that can cause bursitis, including a joint that is not properly formed, bad posture, poor walking habits, and some kinds of arthritis. Bursitis can also be a side effect of some medications.
Risk Factors for Bursitis.
Bursitis can occur in anyone, but certain things make a person more likely to get bursitis. Some of the risk factors for bursitis are:
- Age: As people age, their risk for developing bursitis goes up.
- Certain Conditions: Some conditions like gout, rheumatoid arthritis, and diabetes make bursitis more likely to occur.
- Obesity: Being overweight increases the risk of bursitis in the hips and knees.
- Repetitive Motions: Some occupations and hobbies that require repetitive motions or that place stress on the bursa may lead to bursitis.
Symptoms of Bursitis.
When a person has bursitis, they may experience the following symptoms:
- Joints that appear swollen or red.
- Achy, stiff joints.
- Joints that hurt worse if you press on them.
Treating Bursitis.
There are many ways a doctor may treat bursitis. Some of the treatment options are:
- Resting the Joint: The doctor will probably tell your parent to rest the part of the body that is hurting for a period of time. Depending on the joint involved and the severity of the pain, they may also suggest wearing a splint, sling, or brace.
- Medication: Your parent’s doctor might advise them to use over the counter medications to reduce inflammation and relieve pain. They may also prescribe medication.
- Heat or Cold: Hot or cold compresses may relieve the pain and reduce swelling.
- Therapy: The doctor might refer your parent to a physical or occupational therapist.
- Corticosteroid Injections: The doctor might inject your parent’s joint with a corticosteroid to reduce inflammation.
If your parent suffers a bout of bursitis, an elder care provider can assist with their care. Elder care providers can allow your parent to rest the joint while they handle some of the day to day tasks around the house. They can also help your parent to correctly apply and wear a brace or splint. Elder care providers can also drive your parent to therapy appointments and remind them to take medications.
If you or someone you know needs help with elder care in Lowell, MI, contact Gauthier Family Home Care. We provide quality and affordable home care services in our community. Call us at (616) 258-2300 for more information.
Sources
http://www.arthritis.org/about-arthritis/types/bursitis/
http://www.webmd.com/pain-management/arthritis-bursitis#1
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bursitis/home/ovc-20345506
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bursitis/symptoms-causes/dxc-20345519
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